Man allegedly smashes woman’s car window, drags her from vehicle in attempted carjacking in Parkside
A man has been arrested after he allegedly smashed a female driver’s window with a hammer after ordering her to “get out of the car”. In what police called a “terrifying” daylight incident in Parkside, he then dragged her from the vehicle.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A woman has escaped serious injuries after a man allegedly smashed her car window with a hammer then dragged her out of the vehicle in an attempted carjacking in leafy Parkside.
In what police called a “terrifying” encounter, the woman was sitting in her Mazda sedan in Olive St about 4.30pm Monday, reportedly to answer her phone.
A man approached the driver’s side of her window, yelling “Get out of the car”, then produced a hammer and hit the window.
It cracked, but after hitting it a second time, the window shattered and covered the woman with glass. She was then dragged out of the vehicle by the arm, on to the road. She ran from the car, towards Fullarton Rd, while the man attempted to start the car.
The victim’s car had a press start ignition, and the woman had the car key in her pocket, so when she ran away the suspect could not start the car.
The man grabbed the woman’s backpack from the car, which contained her purse and other personal belongings, and walked off.
Police searched the area after a witness called the police and found a man fitting the suspect’s description.
When they approached the man – who had a cut – police say he ran away, jumping over property fences. He then led police on a short pursuit on foot, before being arrested nearby.
The 37-year-old Moonta man was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, assault causing harm and resisting arrest.
When searched, police say they found the victim’s wallet and mobile phone in his pockets.
Police say the victim and suspect were not known to each other.
The man was refused police bail, to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.
The 35-year-old woman received minor cuts and abrasions from the incident, which required medical treatment.
Witness John Potts lives on the street and heard sirens around 4.30pm Monday.
“It’s obviously very concerning and one would hope that the individual was apprehended,” Mr Potts said.
Mr Potts said the incident makes him feel uncomfortable.
“It can happen anywhere, Parkside is not exempt from that kind of crime.
“That would be terrible for her, the element of surprise... I feel very sorry for her.”
Another witness, who wishes to remain nameless, said the victim was pulling over to make a phone call when the incident occurred.
She called the police as soon as she witnessed the event.
